SAN JOSE – The San Jose Earthquakes were attempting to win their first three MLS games for the first time in their 28 seasons in the league.
Instead, they were unable to solve Minnesota’s defense and lost 1-0 Saturday night at PayPal Park.
The new-look Quakes dominated possession, controlling the ball for 68.4 percent of the game, having a 598-250 edge in passes and a 22-3 advantage in crosses.
But San Jose took until the 68th minute to get its first shot on goal – an attempt from well outside the box by midfielder Ian Harkes – against Minnesota’s 5-3-2 formation, which has allowed just one goal this season.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 08: Cristian Espinoza #10 of San Jose Earthquakes battles for the ball in front of Robin Lod #17 of Minnesota United in the second half against Minnesota United at PayPal Park on March 8, 2025 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
“I think we tried everything to break down the line of five that they put in the back,” Quakes captain Cristian Espinoza said. “I think it’s very difficult to have the opportunities to score when they defend most of the game with nine players in the box. But we need to keep working, keep improving, because probably during this season we’re going to face this situation again and we need to be ready.”
The game’s only goal came on a miscue by centerback Bruno Wilson, whose clearance attempt went straight into the air. The ball reached Minnesota striker Kelvin Yeboah, who was unmarked in front of goal and took advantage in the 32nd minute.
Yeboah, who entered Saturday with a league-high 14 shots and Minnesota’s only goal, had four shots (three on target) against the Quakes.
“We obviously didn’t do a good job on the goal, not clearing the ball properly and not doing a good job stepping to the player who finished,” coach Bruce Arena said. “Bad defending on our part on that particular play.”
Both teams are now 2-1-0.
Kelvin Yeboah #9 of Minnesota United plays the ball with his head in the second half against San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on March 8, 2025 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
The offseason additions of Colombian star striker Chicho Arango and Josef Martinez, who is seventh all-time in MLS in goals, were expected to jumpstart the offense in Arena’s first season. But it didn’t help Saturday against Minnesota, which has lost just one of its last 13 matches against San Jose in all competitions.
“Obviously they defended very well, physically big in their back line and dealt with a lot of crosses quite well,” Arena said. “They have a very good defensive posture and they were hard to break down and we need to be a little bit cleaner technically to create some more chances. Our team played hard, played well, but not well enough to get a goal and at least walk off the field with a point.”
The Quakes were 2-0 for the first time since 2017 after winning its opener 4-0 and then beating host Kansas City 2-1 last week, despite being down to 10 men for the final 30 minutes.
The lineup remained the same on Saturday night except for one forced change. Record signing Hernan Lopez was serving an automatic one-game suspension after receiving the red card in Kansas City, so Amahl Pellegrino took his spot as an attacking midfielder. Arena said that Lopez’s absence was not a reason for the lack of production.
While it was the first setback of the season for the Quakes, it was still a more hopeful performance than many of the games last season, when San Jose had the worst record in MLS (6-25-3) and gave up a league-record 78 goals.
Daniel #42 of San Jose Earthquakes acknowledges fans after a match against Minnesota United at PayPal Park on March 8, 2025 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
Daniel (five saves) was outstanding in goal, and the defense was solid aside from the failed clearance. But the offense wasn’t able to create quality chances.
Despite having 70 percent of the possession in the first half, the Quakes had just two shots and 0.21 expected goals. It rallied for 13 shots (three on goal) in the second half as it attempted a comeback, but couldn’t break through.
San Jose ended with a 15-10 edge in shots, but Minnesota had a 1.9-1.5 edge in expected goals.
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“Tonight’s result doesn’t affect the work that we did so far,” Espinoza said “We have a really strong team, and a good mix of experience and young players. We just need to keep working. We’re going to face teams that are going to defend the whole game and we need to be ready for that.”
The Quakes return to PayPal Park next Saturday to face Colorado (1-0-2).
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 08: Cristian Espinoza #10 of San Jose Earthquakes acknowledges the fans after a match against Minnesota United at PayPal Park on March 8, 2025 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
Head coach Bruce Arena of the San Jose Earthquakes looks on during first half against Minnesota United at PayPal Park on March 8, 2025 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
